In order to deliver the 2.8Gbps throughput across the end-to-end 5G architecture, EE linked its fully virtualised 5G core network to 100MHz of 3.5GHz test spectrum via the proof-of-concept Huawei 5G baseband unit. The consistent 2.8Gbps speeds and sub 5ms latency were delivered end-to-end, rather than just across the air interface.

The speeds were achieved over active antenna unit with 64×64 Massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) broadcasting 5G New Radio over 3.5GHz test spectrum. EE’s 5G architecture is aligned to Option 3 of 3GPP Release 15, due to be finalised next month and formally ratified in April 2018.